In-Store: Gail Simmons: Guesting w/ Jenni Konner at Books Are Magic Montague – Brooklyn, NY

Event guidelines:

• Each ticket will include either a copy of the featured book or a $10 Books Are Magic gift card.
• Additional copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
• A signing will follow the talk.
• Home address is collected for contact tracing purposes; it will not be used otherwise.
• The event will also be livestreamed for free here: https://youtube.com/live/IKhNLu9zYq0
• As a reminder: If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the event, even if you have a ticket; email us and we'll work it out.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact eventhelp@booksaremagic.net.

Countless influential voices have written books about hosting, offering tips for what to cook, how to set the perfect table, mix the best drinks and create the most welcoming vibes. But hospitality, by definition, involves at least two people; where is the advice for guests?

Culinary expert and perennial Top Chef judge Gail Simmons is something of a professional on the subject. As a tastemaker and lifestyle authority, she is invited to countless social events running the gamut from world-class fine dining and international affairs to neighborhood potlucks. Through it all, she knows that for any gathering to be a success, guests must rise to the occasion and actively embrace their role.

In Guesting, Gail unpacks the reciprocal nature of this relationship and explores the sometimes-tricky choreography that governs its dance. She also shares her essential tenets of guesting, and proven strategies for navigating any social situation (yes, even assigned seating). From dinner parties to weddings, religious observances to restaurants, Guesting guides readers through all types of “get-togethers” with confidence and grace. It also connects the vital role guesting plays in our wellbeing and the integrity of our collective culture, at a moment when technology and the temptation for short-term comfort have diminished our inherent need to create—and maintain—human relationships.

And since any good guest knows that bringing something to the table is always the right move, Gail shares ideas and recipes for thoughtful store-bought contributions, homemade food gifts, and favorite dishes to share with a crowd. Whether you’re visiting an old friend, going out for dinner, or attending a milestone celebration, Gail has the answers and inspiration to help you become the consummate guest.

Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and television personality who has been a judge on BRAVO’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef since the show’s inception in 2006. She has also hosted and served as a critic on The Good Dish, Top Chef Amateurs, Iron Chef Canada, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef Just Desserts, and The Feed. Her first cookbook Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating, was nominated for an IACP award for Best General Cookbook. Previously, she served as the Special Events Manager for Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant empire and was Special Projects Director at Food & Wine for fifteen years.

Jenni Konner is an award-winning writer, director, and producer. She currently serves as co-showrunner and executive producer on Netflix’s Golden Globe and Emmy nominated NOBODY WANTS THIS. She is also known for serving as a writer, director, and co-showrunner on GIRLS, which ran for six acclaimed seasons on HBO. Throughout its run, GIRLS was nominated for two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series and won the 2012 Golden Globe for Best Television Comedy Series, as well as the 2013 BAFTA for Best International Show. Konner has a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television and currently resides in Los Angeles, where she runs her production company, Jenni Konner Productions, with her producing partner Nora Silver.